Project background: Bangladesh is a biodiversity hotspot with a number of internationally recognised areas of significance. It is also one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Specific guidelines are needed to manage local demand for resources and prevent the degradation of key ecosystems.

In 1995, the Government of Bangladesh declared specific areas in Bangladesh as Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs) as a result of the Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Act. Out of 12 ECAs, two were in Cox’s Bazar, located on the extreme south-east corner of Bangladesh.

Biodiversity in these Cox’s Bazar ECAs, Teknaf Peninsula and Sonadia Island, is under severe threat as a result of rapid and unplanned commercialisation and tourism development. Further, being located on the seafront makes these areas very vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Through the 'Community-based adaptation in the ecologically critical areas of Cox’s Bazar: Teknaf Peninsula and Sonadia Island – through biodiversity conservation and social protection' project, IUCN is working with vulnerable communities in the area to increase local resilience to climate change impacts, promote conservation of biodiversity and diversify livelihood options.

Objectives of the project:The overall objective is to work with vulnerable communities in Cox’s Bazar to increase local resilience to climate change impacts, promote conservation of biodiversity and diversify livelihood options.

Output:

Conservation management plans for Teknaf Peninsula and Sonadia Island

Donors:Department of Environment, Government of Bangladesh; Climate Change Trust Fund (CCTF); and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)